IU Health Paoli Hospital celebrates Dementia Friendly designation

IU Health Paoli Hospital is a cornerstone of care for Orange County and the surrounding communities, and the team is determined to provide the excellent whole-person care their patients deserve.

Recently, they’ve partnered with the IU Health Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Service (ADRS) for training to better support individuals living with dementia.

“IU Health Paoli Hospital is passionate about providing care in our community,” says Sara King, MSN, RN, IU Health Paoli Hospital Clinical Director of Operations. “We want to reduce the stigma surrounding living with dementia and create an environment where everyone can feel valued and respected.”

The ADRS training covers education about dementia, how to communicate with someone living with dementia, how to create an inviting environment for these individuals and more.

IU Health Paoli Hospital was recently awarded a Dementia Friendly Designation for their efforts, which the team was excited to celebrate, as shown in the photos below.

When an organization commits to being dementia friendly, it's also contributing to making the surrounding community more dementia friendly. That goal is more important than ever, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting about 5.8 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. That number is expected to increase.

Additionally, a 2022 study found the risk has increased for rural areas.

IU Health Paoli Hospital will continue its efforts to help those living with dementia by training all new hires within their first 90 days of employment so they can contribute to making this place of healing dementia friendly.

“With this effort, the hospital will ensure at least 50% of their staff are trained at all times,” says ADRS Network Director and Positive Approach to Care (PAC) Trainer, Shelly Gilbert. “Additional trainings such as the Virtual Dementia Tour are made available at least quarterly and by request.”

Steps like this are important for contributing to communities where individuals living with dementia feel comfortable and welcomed, and IU Health Paoli Hospital is proud to be part of this goal.